National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Autoimmune retinopathy


Autoimmune retinopathy represents a spectrum of rare autoimmune diseases that primarily affect retinal photoreceptor function and lead to progressive vision loss. Included in this spectrum are cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR), melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) and presumed non-paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy (npAIR). Autoimmune retinopathy typically presents in the fifth and sixth decades with rapidly progressive, bilateral, painless visual deterioration. Examination of the fundus (the back inner part of the eye) is usually normal at presentation. [1][2] The underlying reason for the autoimmune attack on retinal cells remains unknown. Treatment includes systemic immunosuppression with steroid and steroid-sparing agents, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and plasmapheresis (plasma exchange).[1] 
Last updated: 3/11/2014

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Autoimmune retinopathy. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Patient Registry

  • The Autoimmune Registry supports research for Autoimmune retinopathy by collecting information about patients with this and other autoimmune diseases. You can join the registry to share your information with researchers and receive updates about participating in new research studies. Learn more about registries.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Autoimmune retinopathy. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

  1. Braithwaite T, Vugler A, Tufail A. Autoimmune retinopathy. Ophthalmologica. September 2012; 228(3):131-142. http://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/338240. Accessed 3/11/2014.
  2. Maturi RK, Purvin V. Cancer Associated and Related Autoimmune Retinopathies. Medscape Reference. March 5, 2012; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1227724-overview. Accessed 3/11/2014.